Loading, please wait...
LOT 1353
Greek Bronze Socketted Spear with Iron Head
12TH-10TH CENTURY B.C.
5 7/8 in. (119 grams total, 15 cm).
With foliate head and short tubular socketted shaft. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
LiteratureCf. D'Amato, R., Salimbeti, A., Early Iron Age Greek Warrior, 1100-700 B.C., figs on pp.18-19.
FootnotesSnodgrass assigns the Athenian iron spearheads to the type A, i.e. spearheads with a leaf-shaped blade, a long socket and a midrib running to the tip. The bronze ones were assigned to typologies C – small, with a leaf-shaped blade (like the present specimen) - and D – with the socket as long as the blade, rounded shoulders and pronounced midrib. Both socket types were beaten round a cylindrical bar, a conservative method to produce bronze sockets even if the head was made of iron.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
13th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With broad leaf-shaped blade and tapering tubular socket. 155 grams, 24 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The spear belongs to the type VIII classified by Khorasani (spearheads with well-projecting midribs and long folded sockets) and more specifically to subtype C (with leaf-shaped blade and short hollow socket). Usually the willow-leaf blade has an almost straight shoulder base and a wide, flat midrib tapering towards the point. -
Roman Pattern-Welded Iron Spatha with Inlaid Military Figure
Late 2nd-early 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,850
With double-edged blade of Lauriacum Hromówka typology with blood channels running for the most of its length; inlaid figure of standing Mars Ultor wearing armour (statos) and plumed galea helmet, holding a shield (aspis) and a spear; the blade cleaned and conserved on one side. 467 grams, 82 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11922-209659. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Piriform body decorated with concentric circles, with sphero-conical filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 472 grams, 13 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
